Police say a Greenwich, Conn. man arguing with his wife tried to beat her to death with a bat.

Michael De Maio, 55, was charged with criminal attempt at murder and assault in the first degree, police said. A judge ordered him held on $1 million cash bond.

His wife is in critical condition at Stamford Hospital.

Police said a domestic dispute turned violent Tuesday evening, when De Maio allegedly went after her with the bat.

The 911 call came in at about 6 p.m., and DeMaio surrendered without resistance outside the couple's home, police said. Officers found his wife on the second floor bleeding profusely. Her mother was also in the house unharmed.

"Not commenting on this particular case, but sometimes a victim is most vulnerable when they are preparing to leave the relationship," said Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey.

Police say they're still investigating what led to the violence and whether there were previous domestic episodes at the house.

The family lived in a mansion on a sprawling estate that included a swimming pool and tennis court, Chopper 4 video over the listed address shows. The couple had three grown children.

DeMaio's employment was described by police as "ambiguous." He's due for a bond hearing on Sept. 18, and when he gets out of jail, still has an order of protection against him.

Attorney information for DeMaio wasn't immediately available.

Greenwich police said they answered more than 200 domestic disputes last year. It is their most frequent violent crime.

Greenwich residents in the tony downtown shopping area were shocked.

"It's obviously terrible to hear about it in any community, and certainly in our backyard," said Michelle Litt. "I don't know the family, but I'm terribly sorry to hear about it."